Avikus and DNV join forces for ‘world-first’ autonomous type approval

Avikus, an autonomous navigation solutions venture founded by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) Group, and Norway-based classification society DNV have teamed up on ‘world’s first’ approval of autonomous vessel systems.

The partnership between Avikus and DNV represents a ‘significant’ step forward for the South Korean venture as Avikus goes through DNV’s System Qualification process for its HiNAS Control navigation technology, a standard specification for all HD Hyundai newbuilds with an orderbook of around 171 sets.

As per Avikus, the system—which was granted DNV’s design verification report (DVR) in 2023—is to be evaluated against DNV-CG 0264 and other relevant international standards to make sure it meets all of DNV’s rules, including class guidelines and the upcoming class notations. The goal is to achieve the ‘first’ Type Approval of its kind by the end of this year.

“We are excited to be working towards the first Type Approval for autonomous navigation solutions under DNV’s regulations,” said Avikus CEO, Dohyeong Lim.

“This milestone is significant for both DNV, which is at the forefront of setting international standards for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), and Avikus, which is advancing and commercializing autonomous navigation technology. Avikus will continue to support DNV’s efforts and collaborate across various areas to further develop and approve this technology.”

Speaking about the latest collaboration, Jarle Coll Blomhoff, Head of Digital Ship Systems at DNV, said:

“It is important to further develop, test and explore digitalization and autonomy, and we are happy that Avikus has chosen DNV as the classification partner for this innovative project. We are very much looking forward to continuing the journey together, as the HiNAS Control system now moves into the testing phase.”

According to Avikus, the HiNAS control system was designed to reduce fuel consumption and enhance voyage safety. It integrates AI and sensor fusion technologies, combining data from multiple navigation tools with augmented reality (AR) to improve situational awareness for navigators.

The system’s core capabilities include autonomous collision avoidance and route optimization, which reportedly help reduce navigator fatigue and minimize maritime accidents as well as emissions.

In addition, HiNAS also provides a 180-degree frontside view of the bridge. The videos are said to be continuously recorded and maintained for about 30 days, allowing the crew to review incidents, if any.

To remind, in March this year, Avikus unveiled that HiNAS was ‘proven’ to reduce fuel use by as much as 15%, with projections of it cutting carbon emissions by 10%. The fuel savings were calculated on a 325,000 very large ore carrier (VLOC) which operated several times on a 5,800-mile route from Singapore to Brazil.

The performance was verified through joint procedures by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), Avikus, Pan Ocean, Pan Ocean’s ship management subsidiary POS SM and Korean Register (KR).